TONY Mowbray today revealed that he would consider venturing into the loan market - but not at the expense of upsetting the balance of his Albion squad.

TONY Mowbray today revealed that he would consider venturing into the loan market - but not at the expense of upsetting the balance of his Albion squad.

The Baggies, who take on Southampton at The Hawthorns tomorrow, may take advantage of the newlyopened loan window, which is now available to all Football League clubs.

But Mowbray is aware that any new signings can have a negative effect on team spirit and has no plans to rush into the loan sector.

Bringing in players from the Premiership can also be problematic.

Albion missed out on Arsenal's Arturo Lupoli earlier this season after he was advised by his agent to seek a move to Derby County, on the basis that he was more likely to get first-team action.

With Albion entering a crucial period, Mowbray is in no rush to bring in new players.

"We are looking at the market and we are doing that every day," he said. "But I don't want to bring in players who will upset the equilibrium of the team and this squad.

"So where do you go? If you try to bring in players from the Premier League they expect to play, yet they won't get in this team at the moment because this team is winning.

"You have to be careful that you don't bring in a bigger-name player who expects to play which can then affect the balance of the squad.

"It's a balancing act. At the moment we are doing our homework to try and be prepared if and when we need to do something. But at the moment I don't think we urgently need to go out there and bring bodies in."

While Mowbray has not ruled out bringing in new blood, he admits that making any loan signings will prove difficult.

The timing is not ideal, especially with so many clubs still being involved in busy league and cup programmes.

"You try to identify play-ers who may be available but they can find their situation changing - they might find themselves back in the team at their club," he added. "Or if you are looking at teams playing Champions League football they don't let their players go out on loan because they need their 25-man squads for Europe.

"But the staff are working behind the scenes to make sure that if we do need anyone we can use the loan market."